The Sony UBP-X700 Blu-ray player is a 4K and HDR capable Blu-ray player which manages to remain relatively affordable when you look at the quality it offers. This model has been around for some years now so the price has continued to drop, while the quality remains cutting-edge.
From fast Netflix (opens in new tab) loading to Dolby Vision support, this packs in lots of features which make this as impressive as the X800 model before it, while undercutting it on price. In fact the Sony UBP-X700 has made it onto our list of the best Blu-ray players (opens in new tab) out there right now.
Sony UBP-X700 review: Picture quality
Let's cut right to what you want to know, how good does this Blu-ray player make your TV look? In short, it looks superb. Like most Sony players, the picture reproduction is very subtle meaning it offers a well judged image.
The quality is great with excellent detail while the colors are punchy and bold. Skin tones are very natural to create excellent faces which make movies and shows really immersive.
The natural finish of the X700 makes this stand out over other brands and even over the X800 which is more dramatic in its finish. The edging is well defined with colors separate from each other and offering excellent contrast and quality.
Sony UBP-X700 review: Audio quality
The sound quality on the UBP-X700 is one of the areas that lets the side down. Don't get us wrong, it's good, with excellent voice layout making vocal spoken words clear, loud and central. It just isn't as impressive as the visual output.
Big special effect sounds are perfectly placed with a lightness and accuracy that you'd expect from a brand like Sony. The tone is on the leaner side which means sound could be more powerful. That said, you can always increase that on the speakers you have.
There is support for the likes of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, plus this does also support hi-res. You get up to 24bit/192kHz files from WAV, FLAC and DSD. Music from CDs is also clear and well defined with instrumental variation very apparent. But for more detail and power you'll want a dedicated hi-fi setup.
Sony UBP-X700 review: Design and features
The Sony UBP-X700 is a compact enough device that is finished in black plastic and offers playback for 4K and HDR Blu-ray, CD, SACD, 3D Blu-rays and more via the dual band WiFi connection and apps selection. That includes the likes of Netflix, Prime Video (opens in new tab), Spotify, YouTube, and more.
On the rear you get twin HDMI outputs, a coaxial digital output, and USB port for playing media like music and pictures. The buttons are physical and work well with easy access to the power and eject buttons right there on the front. That said, you do get a remote too.
The remote is compact and lightweight with good feedback. Thanks to the the clarity of big button layout this can easily be used in the dark too.
Discs load quietly with a quick response to both the remote and direct buttons. Apps are fast to load with the likes of Netflix firing up and streaming in 4K near instantly via a useful dedicated remote button.
Sony UBP-X700 review: Price
The Sony UBP-X700 has dropped considerably since it first went on sale yet it is still one of the best Blu-ray players out there right now. That means you could stand to get a great deal on this unit.
At time of publishing pricing is around the $200 mark, with some listing at $250. That said, it's worth shopping around as we spotted it as low as near $150 in one place.
Should you buy the Sony UBP-X700?
The Sony UBP-X700 is a great option for anyone that wants top-quality 4K and HDR Blu-ray playback. it's also great for streaming, with fast and responsive apps for the likes of Netflix. Build quality is decent and with the Sony brand name you can expect it to last long enough to justify its cost.
